I am 25 years old, my husband is 26. Are we too young to adopt a teenager?

Question

I know that legally we should be fine, but would a teenager be able to see someone only about ten years older as an authority figure and parent, not as a sister?

Answer 1

I don't think you are too young, but I would adopt a 1-6 year old so they will have more time to grow onto you.  A teenager would not listen or have respect for you at all, and they would constantly feel unloved and lonely because of there parent/parents having them be adopted.

Answer 2

No. As long as you dont downplay your role you should be fine. I think it would be wonderful because once kids become teens many get lost in the system and can not find 'parents'. Keep in mind that because they are older they can also be decietful. I use to work at a group home. They will smile in your face, talk church and steal your wallet. So please be very careful and really get to know the child. Alot of them have been through so much and act out becuase of habit.

Answer 3

i say no,if you are a judge and look at it in his eyes no. plus your only what no more than  ten years older? get real, unless your super rich.

Answer 4

I think if it feels right and you want to then you should. Many parents wish they could have a closer relationship with their kids, being close in age I think could be a real benefit. The teen would prob feel very comfortable in talking to you. As long as you and hubby lay down the law, and stick to it, I think you could been a very happy norm family... But start saving for the collage fund now..talk about right around the corner!!!

Answer 5

It would be like having a bay at the age 10, I woudn't do that! She/he would get made fun of having parents 10 yrs older than them...

Answer 6

Do you have a specific child in mind? If the child is Ok with it, I don't see a problem. My parents adopted my cousin when he was 12 and my mom was 28, a similar age spread.   She established the pecking order very quickly, and he respected them both. He's now 79, and still appreciates the home they gave him when he needed one.

Answer 7

as i teenager i know it could be pretty cool to have young parents .. but i also think that i might not want to listen to you and give you respect sometimes because you are not much older then me .. it really just depends on the kid .. truthfully i think girls would like it better then a boy but thats just my opinion

Answer 8

I think it really depends.

Also, legally you aren't always guaranteed that you can adopt... in some places you there have to be a certain number of years between the youngest parent and the oldest child.

Anyways, I think it would work find as long as you and your husband are good at maintaining authority.  In an effort to bond you may try to befriend a teenager, when you should really be trying to set a routine and a stable environment.

I think that if you are up for the challenge, you would be able to do it.

There is also a slight chance that because you are younger, a teenager might feel less threatened by you, and might be more trusting and ready to settle down into the family.

Answer 9

Eh, I'd say it'd be pushing it.  I know many teenagers who have friends that age.  Perhaps you should start with a baby and have it "grow its way up" =P

Answer 10

There are usually laws in each state that mandate the minimum and maximum ages of adoptive and foster parents.  At least one family member, if not both, are required to be a certain number of years older than a child.  I think it's 15 years older in my state but I'm not entirely sure.  If not 15 it would be more.

Call an adoption attorney or the state department that handles foster care in your are to find out the laws in your state.

Unfortunately, at your age I don't think the law will allow you to adopt a teenager until you are much older.  One exception to these laws may be in cases of relative adoption but if you are not related then the laws will probably apply.

An independent social worker which you can find in the phone book or on line yellow pages will also be able to answer your question as far as the specific laws in your state.

Answer 11

Im going to say no. There is alot of teasing going on in my neighborhood about kids parents being "WAAAYYY to old" to have a younger child. I would tell you to consider adopting in the 9-12 year old range. I think 10 years difference would have all the kids/teenagers going EEEWWW your parents had you when they were 10! Simply because most people keep their children, instead of putting them for adoption.

Answer 12

I personally dont think your to young to adopt a teenager. but keep in my you guys arent to far off of age with the teenager.

things might or could be a little difficult.

i dont know good luck.,

Answer 13

Im an adoptee, and I think the only thing that matters is being a good parent, no, a GREAT parent, because that is what the child needs. I dont think it matters at all your age as long as the maturity is there. Plus I think being a young mom or dad gives you more of an advantage, because you can relate better to what they are going through.

Answer 14

I would think it would be hard to get them to respect you as they will see you more on their level. You could adopt a ten or eleven year old.

Answer 15

It would be tough on them at first. I know I would feel really out of place if it were me. You would really have to talk it over with them first, only they can decide how they would feel about it. Good luck!

Answer 16

When my mom married my dad, she was 21 and he was 35 with 4 children. One of them was already 13. That was 37 years ago, and my mom handled it beautifully. My 50 year old sister really considers my 58 year old mom her mom. It depends on you!

Answer 17

It probably would be difficult but if you  both have talked this through and agree it's something you can do then educate yourself on this. I'm 25 as well and looking into foster care. My goal is to keep siblings together so I think its great what youre doing!

Answer 18

It depends on the age and background of the teenager. If s/he is only 13-14, and not streetwise, it's probably not an issue.  Think back to your younger teachers when you were in junior high? Did you not find them authority figures?  If the child is older than 14, well, then I think you're running the edge there.  There's a huge maturity phase around 15 and I'd say if the child hadn't already been with you a year or two, you might be challenged.

Answer 19

That would be great. I am 13 and had a math teacher who was 23 and everyone listened to her and respected her.  There are so many teenagers who need homes because the whole world only wants cute little babies. You should be applauded for what you are doing. Any child would be lucky to have you. I also just think it would be cool to have parents that young.

Answer 20

Well, thats a tough one. I think it depends on the child. A teenager is hard to deal with. Legally you have to get aproval and your income has to meet certain requirements for adoption. Teenagers may have a hard time at frist, but once they get adjusted and ground rules are set, things begin to run more smoothly.

Answer 21

Leave the law. Dont you feel its little funny? I cant even imagin that. You will loose the pleasure of pampering a cute little girl / boy and instead you will be handling issues more.

I am also eager to know what others say about this. Really a good and sensitive Question.